A portable reader (eReader) based on electronic paper technology. The purpose of the Kindle is to provide a solution for getting and keeping a large number of books on one small device, and for reading them in a more natural and enjoyable way than is possible with other electronic devices.
Models
1st Generation Kindle
Released 2007. Discontinued.
2nd Generation Kindle
Released 2009. Discontinued. A slimmer form factor, improved battery life, and a higher performance E Ink display.
This model does not support WiFi. It can connect via Whispernet using the Sprint cell phone network. You can also connect it to a PC with the USB cable and copy downloaded books from the PC to the Kindle 2.
There is a hack which can allow the Kindle to network to the PC via the USB cable for tcp/ip connectivity as an alternative to Whispernet. Ref: Kindle 2 hacks: bypassing Whispernet
Kindle 3
Released 2010.
Whispernet
Amazon has an agreement with Sprint so that the Kindle may use a Sprint cell tower free of charge for the Kindle owner. Within the U.S. use of Whispernet (Kindle accessing Sprint) is free. Webbrowsing is free, receiving of books and SINGLE-issue magazines are free.